Question about my Shift Solenoid "E" P0770 CEL

[Camry LE 94]

I was wondering if everybody's 4 cyl 2.2 Camry's transmission has a hard first shift from 0 mph... (RPM'S increase but there's a momentary pause of speed increase) If this is not the case for everyone's transmissions, then I suspect the direct cause of my CEL is the lock-up clutch failure.

Auto Zone gave me a printout of my CEL and it says;

Shift Solenoid "E" P0770

Probable cause:

Shift solenoid stuck open (mechanic replaced all solenoids, CEL no fix)

Blocked oil passage?

Lock-up clutch failure? <<<<<My problem?

[bcp477]

The lock up clutch in the torque converter only comes into play at cruising speed - not from a stop. In fact, the lock-up clutch will only engage, to the best of my knowledge, in 4th gear. At low speeds and especially from a stop, the torque converter acts like an old-style TC.....fluid drive. The P0770 code you have is a generic shift solenoid electronic error message. It does probably signal a solenoid going bad.....but not the 3-4 solenoid, in this case. The problem you describe would be the 1-2 shift solenoid, if it is the solenoid. it is possible to get an interrmittent fault code (the P0770 is one of them) without a real, actual problem. I've had this before, with my '97 tranny. However, for the fault code to be a "ghost fault' you would need to have NO mechanical symptoms. You DO have a significant mechanical symptom. You say that the shift solenoids have been replaced ? Then I would suspect that your trans valve body has a fault or blockage. It is unlikely, as I explained above, that the lock up feature in the torque converter has anything to do with it. However, it is POSSIBLE that something in the torque converter has disintegrated..... and a bit of wreckage has clogged your valve body. That COULD be a bit of the lock up clutch pack, from the torque converter.

Does the trans work correctly if you shift MANUALLY ? If you manually shift to "L" at rest, does the car accelerate as normal ? If the car will shift through the gears MANUALLY with no problem, then you do not have a problem with the gearpack portion of the trans. That leaves a hydraulic problem or a mechanical issue (with the torque converter). If you unplug the transmission electrical connectors, then drive the car, shifting manually , you'll know a lot more. If the trans will function OK manually, then, as I said, you have no gearpack problem. Since the solenoids have been replaced....that likely leaves only the valve body....or the torque converter...or the ECU. Much more likely that it is the trans, than the ECU.

It would be good to know the other information from the OBD readout - i.e., what is referred to as the "snapshot". This is a record of the exact operating conditions, at the time the fault is recorded (load, IAT, MPH, etc.) Not every OBD II reader will store "snapshot" information.

Oh, one other thing. What is the condition of the trans fluid ? I assume that the fluid has been changed recently, if the solenoids were replaced. But, neglected fluid can easily cause shift problems....if it is "dirty" enough". I got a used '94 once, and began having shift problems. I found that the trans fluid was terrible - black, like motor oil. Changing the fluid TWICE, along with the filter, corrected the problem within 500 miles....and it never gave trouble again. I only mention this, just in case it has been a long time since the fluid has been changed.

In any case, you need to take your car to a qualified transmission shop or mechanic for diagnosis. If your torque converter is failing, then you will need a trans overhaul. If you valve body is clogged or malfunctioning.....then you'll need that overhauled or replaced. Either way, other than some simple diagnosis (as alluded to above)....this is beyond the scope of the driveway mechanic.

[ajkalian]

Originally Posted by Camry LE 94

Auto Zone gave me a printout of my CEL and it says;

Shift Solenoid "E" P0770

Probable cause:

Shift solenoid stuck open (mechanic replaced all solenoids, CEL no fix)

Blocked oil passage?

Lock-up clutch failure? <<<<<My problem?

FWIW, I was working on my car last night, a 2000 Camry, 6cyl, and wanted to clean out the Air Intake Surge Tank, and the butterfly valve inside of it. It's the thing on the top of the engine that looks like an intake manifold. Anyway, I got the thing apart, cleaned it up and then realized I didn't have any hi-temp gasket sealer. NBD, I'll just put it back together, and run down to Autozone and get some sealer. I drove away and the car started to hesitate, then stall, then surge, then stall. It would run fine when I put it in nuteral but wouldn't drive at all. The CEL light came on, and I pulled over to see what was going on. I got a P0758 and a P1765, both transmission related codes, huh??

I got a flashlight out and figured that I left off the vacuum line, but it was connected. Then I noticed that I had not connected two ground straps. I hooked them up, and the car ran fine.

So of you've replaced the solenoids, and are still getting that error, it might just be a loose, frayed, or cracked wire. It's a long shot for sure, but I would have never figured out that those ground wires on the top of the intake manifold had anything at all to do with the transmission.

Hope this helps, good luck.

[blackcloud]

Shift Solenoid "E" is on the outside of transmission, changed mine no help.
torque converteris what the deal said my problem is. p0770
been doing this from Feb. shift great, great mpg (32 highway)
check code once amonth